Monday’s British news round-up

WYMAN OFF TO A PROMISING STARTBritish cyclo-cross champion Helen Wyman got her cyclo-cross World Cup campaign off to a promising start with eighth place yesterday in the first round in Treviso, Italy.

Wyman finished 1-46 down on Katie Compton, who has already won three races this season. Wyman recently returned from a spell racing in the USA, where she also won the Star Cross event.

“That was a solid start to my European season,” Wyman commented.

“[It’s] the first day I’ve felt normal after my American trip, so I know I have so much more to give.

“That’s big encouragement for me and I know I’ll be back on the podium very soon.

“It’s still pretty weird riding cyclo-cross at 28c [though]. To be honest, it’s not really my favourite kind of weather for a 40-minute maximum effort in a skinsuit. I hope it starts to rain soon and we can get started with the real ‘cross,” Wyman added.

The next race on the schedule for Wyman is Namur in Belgium on Saturday.

SEASON OVER FOR CAVENDISHMark Cavendish will not ride Paris-Tours next month and will instead end his season early, as reported first by Cycling Weekly.

“It’s been a long season, so there are no plans for Cavendish to do Paris-Tours this year,” said Brian Holm, Columbia directeur sportif.

Cavendish, who started his season at the Tour of Qatar in February, pulled out of the Tour of Missouri with a lung infection and will now not race again until next season.

It was, however, the Manxman’s most successful season on the road thus far, with 23 wins to his name, including six in the Tour de France and three in the Giro d’Italia.

ENTRIES CLOSED FOR BEC HILL CLIMBEntries have closed for the Bec CC hill climb, the deadline extended to yesterday after organiser Garry Beckett received many of the entries late as a result of the postal strike.

Entries arrived over the weekend, whilst others had to contact Beckett directly to confirm their attendance. There is now a field of 87, the first time ever the Bec has attracted more riders than the Catford event held on the same day (October 11).

As far as favourites go, “15-year-old Germaine Burton was seen out on the hill practicing on Sunday,” said Beckett, “and I fancy he’ll go sub two minutes in this his second year of riding, which would be amazing for one so young.

”But I wouldn’t like to put my money on the top for individual GC. Jody’s looking like the man, but I’ve a gut feeling there’s a couple of dark horses in the field that will be there or there abouts,” Beckett added.

Further details and a full start list are available at www.beccyclingclub.co.uk

Earlier riders had to endure a moderate rain shower, but the course had dried out when Pettinger’s turn came round with the Sri Chinmoy also taking advantage of a slight tail-wind to set his record-breaking time.

HAMMOND THIRD OVERALL IN FRANCO-BELGEBritain’s Roger Hammond finished third overall in the Franco-Belge after some fine riding.

Hammond took three top-ten placings during the race, including third on the last stage to secure his podium placing overall.

RIDERS WANTED FOR VC MONTPELLIERVelo Club Montpellier’s elite race team is seeking new riders for the 2010 season.

The team, which is based in Cheltenham, has had a successful first season and is looking to build on its successes in 2010 by developing a larger roster of riders. The team will primarily compete in National B road races although there will be opportunities to ride in Premier Calendar events.

To be eligible, you must hold either an elite, first or second (or even junior) category racing licence. Riders must be based in either the BC South or West Midlands division and a sponsorship package will be available to selected riders.

If you are interested and have something to offer, contact the team with your race CV to press@vcmontpellier.com.